A LANDMARK RESTORED: Grant paves way for hotel renovation as culinary institute

(Photos by Valerie Bates)Local, state and federal officials as well as area dignitaries gathered at the site of the historic Port Isabel Yacht Club Wednesday to announce the hotel’s renovation into a new culinary arts institute. Among those present were members of the Port Isabel City Commission, Mayor Joe Vega included, as well as Congressman Filemon Vela.

Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) along with U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Regional Director Pedro Garza announced a $1.2 million grant for the acquisition and renovation of the Yacht Club Hotel in Port Isabel. The announcement came Wednesday, Oct. 8.

The Yacht Club Hotel on North Yturria Street is the future site of the Culinary Arts Institute of Port Isabel.

According to a press release issued by the office of Congressman Vela, “The EDA grant will support the re-purposing of the Yacht Club Hotel and restore the landmark to its original state.

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